Friday, July 1, 2011

Weekender: The Top Five Things to Do Over the Next Three Days in the East Bay

Fri, Jul 1, 2011 at 6:00 AM

The Gods Must Be CrazySome fun facts about Philly-based DJ and producer Rich Medina: He grew up in New Jersey. He wears glasses. When he isn't cutting tracks in the studio, he enjoys writing poetry. His major star turn happened at a dance party called Lil' Ricky's Rib Shack, where he met Tribe Called Quest rapper Q-Tip in 2005. Oh, also, he's a big fan of African pop legend Fela Kuti. And his mixes combine all sorts of disparate interests, from funk, to soul, to free verse, to classic hip-hop, to R&B string sections, to electronica. He'll preside over a "supernatural black experience" this weekend, accompanied by poet and theater artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph, singer Jennifer Johns, soul crooner Martin Luther, and heartthrob rapper Kev Choice, who recently moved to Atlanta but still has strong roots in Oakland. Called "The Gods Must Be Crazy," and billed as a tribute to deceased African-American royalty (Hendrix, Simone, Scott-Heron, Baker, Malonga), this event happens on Friday, July 1, at The New Parish (579 18th St., Oakland). 8 p.m., $20. TheNewParish.com. — Rachel Swan

Tilden Attractions HikeAt 2,079 acres, Tilden Regional Park — with its winding trails and whirling merry-go-round — can be a lot to experience in one trip. But ambitious nature enthusiasts can tackle many of the park’s trails on the Tilden Attractions Hike — a robust ten-mile walking tour led by naturalist Gail Broesder, or “Trail Gail.” The hike covers various Tilden trails, with a stop at the Botanic Garden (home to many native California flora) and opportunities to ride the park’s steam train and carousel. Bring food, water, and appropriate shoes and clothing; recommended for ages twelve and up. Meet at the Lone Oak picnic site (north end of Central Park Dr., Berkeley), on Saturday, July 2. 9 a.m., free, rides $2. 510-544-2233 or EBParks.org/Parks/Tilden — Cassie Harwood

you know you want to party with this dude.

George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic Birthday CelebrationCelebrate the birth of American independence by dancing your butt off with George Clinton and the Parliament/Funkadelic crew. One of the most independent artists in the modern era, Clinton ushered in the "Golden Age of Funk" with his groundbreaking music and over-the-top stage shows. The grooves he laid down with his bands are the backbone of many famous hip-hop songs, and the blend of R&B, soul, and rock that he used to funkify the nation still sounds as vibrant today as it did when he first dropped the P-Funk bomb. At Yoshi's Oakland (510 Embarcadero West, Oakland) Monday through Wednesday, July 4- 6. 8 p.m., $50. Yoshis.com/Oakland. — j. poet

World's Largest HamburgerThe current Guinness World Record for "largest hamburger commercially available," weighing in at 590 pounds, was set in Canada in 2010. But Nick Nicora, co-owner and vice president of business development at Ovations Food Services, which oversees all food-related festivities at the Alameda County Fair (4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton makes no buns (cheesy pun intended) about his plans to shatter that record with a whopping burger that exceeds 600 pounds in meat alone. That's a lot to digest when you add an estimated 110-pound bun, more than twenty pounds of onions, thirty pounds of lettuce, twelve pounds of pickles, and pounds and pounds of condiments. "We are extremely confident that we will surpass the 590-pound weight," he said. Watch him try on Saturday, July 2 at 10 a.m. $6-$10, under 6 free. 925-426-7600 or AlamedaCountyFair.com. — Cassie Harwood

The Woman Invisible to HerselfIf you missed last year's premiere of Mary Armentrout's quirky, intimate, and widely hailed show The Woman Invisible to Herself, you're in luck: The multimedia contemporary dance-theater performance returns to Milk Bar (851 81st Ave., Studio 223, Oakland) Friday through Sunday, July 1-3, as well as July 8-10 and 15-17. Wear layers and get ready to move, because Oakland-based Armentrout leads her audience through rooms, out a window, and up onto the roof — choreography one might expect from an artist who goes where few others are willing to tread. The show is billed as a solo, but the title role is shared by stellar dancers Natalie Greene, Frances Rosario, and NolSimonse on different nights. Last year's performances sold out, so buy tickets early, and be sure to arrive thirty minutes early for the pre-show installation. 7:15 p.m., $20. 1-800-838-3006 or MaryArmentroutDanceTheater.org. — Claudia Bauer

Plus...

Catch a Movie: Our critic recommendsMr. Nice, the mostly-true life and times of Europe's most notorious drug dealer, now playing at the Shattuck.

Get Buzzed: But probably not at Pyramid Brewery, which our alcohol columnist reviews none too kindly in this week's installment of Last Call. Alternatively: grapefruit margaritas — tequila, grapefruit juice, and triple sec to taste, plus a generous squirt of lime juice, served with a salted rim and a thick grapefruit slice. You're welcome.

Waste Some Time: Get in the holiday spirit and fall in love with 'Merica all over again with this oldie-but-goodie: